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Football

02nd Dec 2018

Jose Mourinho labels Paul Pogba a ‘virus’ in dressing room row

José Mourinho and Paul Pogba's fractious relationship appears to have reached a new low as the manager labelled him a 'virus' after United's 2-2 draw

Reuben Pinder

Maybe he’s not actually the problem, José

Manchester United pulled off yet another comeback after going two goals down against a significantly weaker side on Saturday, drawing with Southampton 2-2.

Early goals from Stuart Armstrong and Cedric Soares gave the Saints a two goal cushion, forcing United to attack. And as it turns out, when they attack, they score more goals.

Two goals within 8 minutes from Romelu Lukaku and Ander Herrera, United pulled the scoreline level before the break. But as always, they were papering over very big cracks.

José Mourinho reportedly clashed with Paul Pogba after the match, after a lacklustre performance from the Frenchman in which he gave the ball away several times. Although, Mourinho’s bizarre team selection, fielding five central midfielders and no wingers, gave Pogba few options when he was on the ball.

In the dressing room row, the Daily Record claim that Mourinho labelled Pogba a “virus”.

“You don’t play. You don’t respect players and supporters. And you kill the mentality of the good honest people around you,” Mourinho reportedly added during his rant at Pogba.

Ever since Mourinho’s spell at Real Madrid, he appears to have picked one player to battle with in order to lay down his authority, with mixed results: Iker, Casillas, Eden Hazard, now Paul Pogba. Both Casillas and Hazard went on to play well for their clubs again after Mourinho’s departure.

It sure is a mystery as to what is causing United’s current problems.